Magnesium WE54A-T6 (UNS M18410)

Image of Magnesium WE54A-T6 bars
Credit: CSIRO, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

WE54A-T6 is a high-strength, heat-treatable magnesium alloy that is used in a variety of applications, including aerospace, automotive, and industrial. It is known for its good strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and weldability.

Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
MagnesiumRemainder
Copper0.03%
Manganese0.15%
Nickel0.005%
Rare Earths1.5%4.0%
Silicon0.01%
Yttrium4.75%5.5%
Zinc0.20%
Zirconium0.40%1.0%
Residuals0.30%

The following table provides a list of magnesium WE54A-T6 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.

Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Magnesium WE54A-T6 Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density1850 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)248 MPa
Tensile Strength (Yield)165 MPa
Compressive Strength (Ultimate)410 MPa
Compressive Strength (Yield)172 MPa
Young’s Modulus (E)44.4 GPa
Elongation at Break in 50 mm2%
Poisson’s Ratio (ν)0.27
Brinell Hardness 500 kg load, 10 mm ball75 - 95
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point550 - 640 °C
Solidus550 °C
Liquidus640 °C
Thermal Conductivity52 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) Typical value for Mg alloys1.00 J/g·°C
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Electrical Resistivity1.73×10-5 Ω·cm

The values in this table are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the specific manufacturing process and heat treatment applied to the alloy.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Magnesium WE54A-T6

AdvantagesDisadvantages
High strengthLow melting point
Light weightCorrosion prone
WeldableHigh cost
Good machinabilityLimited availability

Applications of Magnesium WE54A-T6

Magnesium WE54A-T6 is a high-strength magnesium alloy that is used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Aerospace industry: Magnesium WE54A-T6 is used to make aircraft bodies, landing gear, and engine components.
  • Automotive industry: Magnesium WE54A-T6 is used to make engine blocks, transmission housings, and brake rotors.
  • Marine industry: Magnesium WE54A-T6 is used to make boat hulls, propellers, and rigging.
  • Sports equipment industry: Magnesium WE54A-T6 is used to make bicycles, golf clubs, and skis.
  • Construction industry: Magnesium WE54A-T6 is used to make building materials, such as windows and doors.
  • Medical device industry: Magnesium WE54A-T6 is used to make implants, such as hip replacements and knee replacements.
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